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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Category Management Manager, Walmart Location: Rogers, AR Background & Purpose of the Job: The Associate Category Manager delivers thought leadership and insights to drive solutions that ...

Associate Category Manager

Medina, MN · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Associate Category Manager role is designed as the first step in category ownership. This role is intended to prepare the associate for a more advanced role in Category Management. major areas of ...

Associate Category Manager - Hybrid Towson, MD In office 3 days a week Come build your career. It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a ...

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of ...

Associate Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of ...

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Associate Category Manager information

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How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate category manager in the United States is $25.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Category Manager vs Category Analyst?

AspectAssociate Category ManagerCategory Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; some roles may prefer experience in retail or supply chainBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, manages supplier relationships, and supports category strategiesAnalyzes sales data, monitors market trends, and provides insights to support category decisions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, consumer goods, and e-commerce companiesUsed across similar industries for data analysis and strategic support

The Associate Category Manager and Category Analyst roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on supporting category strategies through collaboration or data analysis. While the Associate Category Manager has more responsibilities in supplier management and strategy execution, the Category Analyst primarily provides insights through data analysis. Both roles are essential in retail and consumer goods industries, often working together to optimize product categories.

What does an associate category manager do?

An associate category manager supports the category management team by analyzing sales data, assisting in developing product strategies, and coordinating with suppliers. They help optimize product assortments, monitor inventory levels, and contribute to pricing and promotional decisions, often using tools like Excel or category management software. This role typically requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail or supply chain operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Category Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Category Manager, you need strong analytical skills, business acumen, and a background in merchandising or supply chain, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or related fields. Familiarity with category management software, advanced Excel, and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills enable standout performance in managing vendors and cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for driving category growth, optimizing product assortments, and ensuring profitability in a competitive retail environment.

How does an Associate Category Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals?

An Associate Category Manager frequently works with teams such as marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance to ensure category strategies are effectively executed. This collaboration involves sharing market insights, coordinating promotional activities, and aligning on inventory planning to meet sales targets. Effective communication and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders are essential, as the role acts as a bridge between departments to drive category performance. Regular meetings and joint projects are common, providing exposure to various aspects of the business and opportunities for career growth.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media planners, media directors, or digital marketing managers often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in data analysis, negotiation, and media buying. These positions typically require strong industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and proficiency with media planning tools and analytics platforms.

What is the salary of a category manager?

The salary of a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized category managers may earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For an Associate Category Manager, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically occur with extensive experience, seniority, or in high-cost markets. Higher-paying roles in management, finance, or specialized consulting often exceed this threshold, especially with bonuses and incentives included.
More about Associate Category Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Category Manager jobs? Cities with the most Associate Category Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Category Manager jobs? The most popular types of Category Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Category Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Category Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Category Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,863 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Associate Category Manager

Associate Category Manager

Jack Link's Protein Snacks

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$74K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don't hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.
We're everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren't buzzwords, they're expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands-Jack Link's®, Lorissa's Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few-there's nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.
Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that's full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.
Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an initiative-taking and detail-oriented Associate Category Manager to join our dynamic team. The Associate Category Manager will support the creation and implementation of category management strategies aimed at developing win-win solutions and strengthening long-term, strategic partnerships with customers. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with the sales team to optimize product assortments, pricing, and promotional strategies in alignment with company objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, consumer trends, and market dynamics to identify opportunities for assortment, pricing, and promotions based on these findings.
  • Assist in the development and optimization of product assortments and planograms. Analyze product performance, conduct gap analysis, and recommend products for introduction or discontinuation based on consumer demand and profitability.
  • Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key customers and retailers.
  • Track and report on key performance metrics, such as sales and share. Provide regular updates to the sales team on category performance and recommend actions to improve results.
  • Monitor competitor activities and industry trends to stay ahead of the market and identify new opportunities for category growth.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is an office setting with varying degrees of temperature and noise levels. The vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing Economics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in category management, sales, analytics, or a related CPG role.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
  • Proficiency in using syndicated data (i.e., Nielsen, Circana), and retailer specific loyalty card data, shopper panel metrics.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and critical thinking skills.
  • An initiative-taking, results-driven mindset with a passion for consumer products.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Experience in the CPG industry, particularly in salty snacks a plus.
  • Experience with JDA Space Planning software a plus.

Additional Information
The salary range for this role is $74,000- $87,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.
Disclaimer:
This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link's provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.
E-VERIFY:
Jack Link's is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employeesAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.